We can cross continents and oceans, climb to 36,000 feet and above, year-on-year create more powerful and efficient powerplants. Yes, the achievements of the aerospace industry are phenomenal. However, for all this, it still grinds me that aircraft manufacturers choose, for financial reasons, not to allow designers to create a safe entry/exit system for their aircraft.
Thus, the onus is on airline and handling agent management to set down agreed procedures to ensure that all staff are trained in accordance with these procedures, and let staff be under no illusion that criminal action will be taken against those responsible for injuring/killing co-workers - the prospect of going to prison might persuade them not to be so reckless.
Surely this is not beyond the abilities of said management? It's not exactly rocket science, is it?
Why doesn't a hostie start a thread on this forum allowing all cabin crew to give examples of scenarios where their lives are being put at risk and what they think could be done to address this issue? CC could even state at what airport such negligence occurs and what conversations took place with the handling agents. Surely this has got to be at the top of your agendas, way above pay, routes, uniforms, ugly pax, etc?
Obviously, individuals can't be named but I leave it up to the discretion of the moderators whether handling company names can. The thread should not be a headhunt, nor should it be about settling old scores - it should be about preventing fellow CC being injured or killed in the future. I think you owe that to the memory of all colleagues who are no longer with you due to falling from aircraft.
I am sure that CC are not all innocent and have caused accidents in the past, through conversation or actions, so I invite handling agents to also state where they believe the problem lies, giving examples where appropriate. To aid balance, they may also name the airlines involved but, again, no individuals, please.
May I ask all posters not to allow what I'm sure could be a very emotive thread from turning into an abusive one? - a point deleted by a moderator is a point not made.
Finally, in the words of that Hill Street Blues Sergeant......."let's be careful out there"
VC10 Rib22
